ERP - StartGeld Gründerkredit

Government-backed loan up to €125,000, no equity required.

Target group

Startups, SMEs

Deadline

Year-around

Location

National, Germany

Table of contents

Are you eligible?

You can apply if you:

  • Are founding a new business or have done so within the past 5 years

  • Operate as a sole founder, freelancer, partnership (GbR), or corporation (GmbH)

  • Are based in Germany and plan to use the funds for eligible business activities

What is ERP - StartGeld Gründerkredit

This KfW-backed loan provides up to €125,000 for business expenses, including equipment, staff, inventory, and even company shares, without requiring any personal equity. It’s designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs in starting and scaling their business.

Important

No equity required: You can access full funding without personal savings or capital contribution.

Terms & Conditions

  • Loan Amount: up to €125,000 (no minimum)

  • Equity Requirement: none

  • Duration: 2 to 10 years
    (including up to 2 repayment-free years)

  • Repayment: monthly installments

  • Interest Rate: fixed, depending on creditworthiness

  • Usage: business investments, operating costs, material, or acquisition of shares/companies

When is the deadline?

Year-round. Applications are accepted continuously, there is no deadline.

How does the application work?

Preparation:

  • Create a business plan with financial projections
  • Check your personal and company creditworthiness


Hausbank process:

  • Choose a commercial bank as your financial intermediary
  • Submit your application via your bank (not directly to KfW)
  • The Hausbank evaluates your business plan and financial plan. If approved, they forward it to KfW.


KfW assessment:

  • The KfW evaluates your business plan and financial plan. If approved, they forward the offer back to your bank


Approval & payout:

  • Once approved, the loan is paid out via your bank
  • Loan repayment begins after the grace period

You need support?

Would you like to learn more about how we can increase your companies chances of success with this funding program?

FAQs

What our clients often ask before they get started.

Founders and small businesses less than 5 years old, including freelancers and single founders.

Investments, working capital, marketing, inventory, or acquisition of another company or shares.

KfW covers up to 80% of the default risk, which helps reduce bank requirements.

Once approved, funds are typically paid out in full after contract signing.

Yes. We prepare all documents and coordinate the process with your financing partner.

Still have questions?